95
points
Fulcrum 2008 Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$52
Big and powerful, but nuanced despite its size. It’s a dark, extracted wine, filled with wild cherry, raspberry, currant and sandalwood flavors, as well as exotic notes of forest balsam, grilled mushrooms, tamari and dusty Indian spices. Super-complex, it changes with every sip, and should change interestingly over the next six years. The vineyard is in the…
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
94
points
Fulcrum 2008 Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$48
This is a wonderfully rich, seductive Pinot Noir. It has the lushness and complexity you want in a fine California bottling, with a silky texture and crisp acidity. The flavors are very complex, ranging from raspberry and cherry tart, cola and exotic rosehip tea to sandalwood, finishing with a flourish of spice. Lots of new oak, but it’s perfectly in keeping with…
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
90
points
Fulcrum 2007 Split Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$54
Full-bodied, ripe and oaky, with the weight almost of a Rhône red. Shows cherry pie filling, blueberry, sandalwood, black pepper and anise flavors. Delicious, but needs time to soften around the edges. Hold until after 2010.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)
87
points
Fulcrum 2007 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
-
$52
Tastes and feels rather full and heavy now, like a Grenache, with cherry, licorice, red currant, pepper and oak flavors. The acid-tannin structure is fine, it’s just that idiosyncratic weight. Could develop in 3–5 years.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)